know where we are!!! Today started off as normal with some shopping at Matahari, off to Pub Bagus for some cold Bintangs and noodles, walked to Sita Fashions to find them closed again (third visit here, not happy Jan!!), Legian Music Centre and then someone told my friend Norma about a handbag warehouse in some street called something like Major Armpit St! So we set off on a mission to find it. Believe it or not we actually found the street, JL Majahawpit (Spelling I know) but we arrived at it at a tee junction. Which way will we go - hmm we set off to the right. As we trudged along single file along narrow little footpaths we felt like we were explorers walking where no Aussie had ever been before (or something to that effect). We actually found some shops selling furniture, beads and knick knacks but no handbag place. It appeared to be a very residential area with friendly smiling faces appearing at every door to look at the silly aussies. We did find a drum factory and the band boys were practising so we stopped to listen to them for awhile and to rest the weary legs. As we got further we came across a man at the top of a palm tree which was about four storeys high,cutting the fronds off balancing on a little platform and a rope around his waist. When he noticed us watching he put on a good act pretending to be falling. After entertaining us for a good 20 minutes we went to his house and gave him a donation towards buying new safety gear!!! Rest break over we began our long trek back towards civilisation and we knew if we reached the airport we were on the right track. When we finally made it back to our hotel the pool was really inviting.
Our adventure continued that night with a visit to the LeStari Restaurant at the Umalas Stables. Luckily our hotel reception got directions from the restaurant and wrote them down so we could give them to the taxi driver, otherwise I dread to think where we would have ended up. On arrival at the stables which I might add a 5 star residences for horses with accommodation for people as well, there was no sign of a restaurant but the security guard led us through the beautiful gardens to the back of the complex where there is a gorgeous outdoor restaurant and pool. This is the new venture taken on by Peter formerly of UN's and we were pleased to see several of the UN's staff working there, including Gede from the door. What a delightful setting it was and the food was great - I had lamb shanks done with red cabbage and mash - sensational and fabulous frozen margaritas.
Next day we went to the Bali Galleria for a look see followed by a visit to Carrefour. Well what a disappointment that was after all the good reports on here. I found it to be very ordinary and the prices were more expensive than Tiara Dewata and Ramayana for the cosmetics that I normally buy. Well at least I have been and seen and don't need to see again.
Went to Ours for dinner, always pleasant sitting outside watching the world go by.
Next morning was a shopping morning starting with Discovery, moving on to bemo corner where the little bead shop (Murano I think its called) held my attention for an hour with all their different bracelets and necklaces. Stocked up big for gifts for Xmas. Visited The Pub but was very disappointed in the lack of atmosphere and the unsavoury characters that were there that day. The staff seemed more intent on talking to them then actually serving us so we didn't stay very long. Dinner was at Green Garden, average food and service but cheap.
Next Instalment: Candi Dasa, Geneva (and the naughty soap!)